Douglas DC-3 Dakota

Aircraft Description

Development of the Douglas DC-3 began in 1935, with the first production aircraft delivered in 1936. Its military version, the C-47 Dakota, became essential in WWII for transport, paratroop drops, supply missions, medical evacuation, and glider towing. About 10,000 C-47s were built.

The RAF received about 1,930 Dakotas, and the RCAF eventually operated 169. In Canada they served with transport and ferry squadrons; overseas they flew with RCAF 437 Squadron in Europe and 435 and 436 Squadrons in Southeast Asia, supporting major operations such as the Arnhem and Rhine airborne missions and supply drops in Burma. After the war, these squadrons supported Canadian occupation forces in Germany. Dakotas remained in Canadian service until 1989. Of nearly 13,000 DC-3s built, many continue to fly today.

The Museum’s DC-3 is displayed in the markings of RCAF 435 and 436 Squadrons (“Canucks Unlimited”), which served in Burma in 1944–45. Built in June 1939 for Eastern Airlines, it later flew with North Central Airlines and continued in commercial use before being donated to the Museum in 1981. Currently preserved as a static, non-airworthy aircraft, it accumulated over 83,000 flying hours—equal to more than 12 million miles.

The museum has chosen to sell its 1939 Douglas DC-3 because it is 86 years old, has nearly 83,000 flight hours, and requires significant maintenance after six years out of service. In contrast, the museum’s 1943 RCAF C-47 has far fewer hours, strong wartime heritage, and is in airworthy state and more practical to operate. As a not-for-profit organization, the museum must prioritize safety, financial sustainability, and responsible stewardship while continuing to honour Canadian Veterans through its flying operations and new immersive historical exhibits.

Aircraft Photos

Click on any photo to enlarge.

Between 1939 and 1981, the Museum's Dakota was operated by several airlines including Eastern Airlines, North Central Airlines and the University of North Dakota.

In 1981, Dennis Bradley bought himself a Dakota with the intention of turning it into a flying camper to take his family around the world. Dennis, Al Rowcliffe and Jerry Janes went to Chino, CA and ferried the aircraft back to Hamilton. During restoration, it was discovered that it was full of corrosion. This was not good news, but the real bad news that Dennis discovered about his "world family tour" was the lack of fuel to be found around the world and the logistics of getting fuel delivered to certain locations. That put an end to this plan and instead, the Dakota was rebuilt and Dennis Bradley donated the DC-3 to the Museum.

In the summer of 1982, the Museum's Dakota headed into the paint shop for the transformation from "Argonia" to "Canucks Unlimited".

In the summer of 1982, the Museum's Dakota headed into the paint shop for the transformation from "Argonia" to "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

On one of the worst days of the 1988 winter season, a Canadian Armed Forces Dakota also painted up as "Canucks Unlimited" visited the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota and Canso.

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited" giving tours at an airshow.

Interior of the Museum's Dakota.

The Museum's Dakota, "Canucks Unlimited".

Original RCAF Dakota, "Canucks Unlimted".

RCAF Dakotas operating over Burma during World War II.

Original RCAF Dakota, "Canucks Unlimted".

Original RCAF Dakota, "Canucks Unlimted".

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